biology

The term “biology” refers to the scientific study of life and living organisms. Here’s an overview of its definition, etymology, and origin:

1. Definition: Biology is the natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. It covers a broad range of areas including botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, and many others.
2. Etymology and Origin:
   • The word “biology” is derived from the Greek words “bios,” meaning “life,” and “logia,” meaning “study of” or “science of.” Therefore, it literally translates to “the science of life.”
   • The term was first used in its modern sense by German naturalist Gottfried Reinhold Treviranus (1776–1837) and independently by French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744–1829) in the early 19th century.
   • The establishment of biology as a distinct natural science apart from the medical sciences and natural history came about in this period, alongside significant discoveries and advancements in areas such as cell theory and evolutionary biology.